It Starts Small

²⁴ Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:24-29

 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you

Paul endured far more than his “fair share” of sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:21-33). Yet in the midst of these life-threatening trials, he maintained an unwavering spirit. His remarkable attitude stemmed from a profound perspective on this world and his purpose within it (1 Peter 4:13). He knew his time on earth was fleeting. His mission was clear: to be a fearless minister and devoted steward of the gospel (Colossians 1:25). With fervor and determination, serving Christ became his top priority.

This rejoicing is not a mere giddy silliness of a deranged soul who laughs through suffering. No, it bursts forth from the depths of the heart! It springs from an eternal perspective and a profound relationship with Christ, fueled by the unwavering strength that He provides. The one who finds joy in adversity makes a deliberate choice. They embrace a positive attitude and offer heartfelt gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. They do this even when faced with daunting trials. Indeed, even in life’s gravest challenges, we possess countless reasons to be thankful!

What is the true opposite of rejoicing? Is it not the act of complaining, that relentless griping that weighs our spirits down? When adversity strikes, do you lift your heart in gratitude, or do you succumb to the murmur of discontent? Do you hold fast to thankfulness for the divine blessings poured upon you? Or do you allow bitterness and resentment to fester? This clouds your view of the incredible resilience within you.

I am suffering

When we examine Paul’s sufferings, it becomes strikingly clear that most of them were avoidable. These were not mere natural disasters or hereditary ailments. No, the overwhelming majority of his trials stemmed from fierce persecution. This persecution was ignited by his unwavering commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Time and again, Paul faced a difficult decision. He could abandon the gospel and embrace a life free from torment. Alternatively, he could continue proclaiming the good news and endure suffering. With unwavering resolve, he consistently chose to press on in ministry, resulting in even greater persecution. Herein lies the compelling motivation driving Paul’s life: others. He devoted his entire existence to the Lord, placing the needs of others above his own. Paul exemplified the very essence of Christ. Christ came not to be served, but to serve. He laid down His life for others. for others. (Mark 10:45).

What about you? Are you ready to bravely confront suffering for the greater good of those around you? Are you prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for them? How can you wholeheartedly embrace and apply this powerful principle in your own life?

I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body,

Every believer has been graced with at least one extraordinary spiritual gift from the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12, 14:26)! What do these powerful verses reveal about the vibrant purpose of spiritual gifts? They are bestowed upon us for the common good, igniting the edification of the body! God fervently calls every believer to actively engage in the magnificent construction of the body—we all bear the glorious responsibility! In this verse, the church is evocatively likened to a body, where every single part vibrantly fulfills its unique function. If even one part falls short of its duty, the entire body suffers. This situation reminds us of our interconnectedness. It also highlights the importance of our contributions!

Here in Colossians, Paul passionately declares that he does his “share.” So I ask you, who is stepping up to do your share? Are you boldly embracing your responsibility, or are you allowing someone else to carry the weight for you?

⁴⁸ But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 12:48

You have been entrusted with so much! What incredible spiritual blessings have been bestowed upon you? Are you stepping up and fulfilling your responsibilities, or are you avoiding your role? In a large family, it’s easy to recall siblings—maybe even yourself—making excuses to escape their duties. But I ask you, are you neglecting your sacred duties in the church? Embrace your calling with fervor!

 I have become its servant 

We must embrace our roles as passionate stewards! We are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of caring for everything within our grasp. This includes our finances, our belongings, our homes, our cherished possessions, and even our children. Beyond that, we are custodians of the transformative gospel, the Holy Word, our time, our bodies, and our boundless energy. God has placed wise leaders over our community as guardians of it. This profound truth tells us that the church is not merely ours. We are called to nurture it for the glory of the Lord. Our duty is to ensure the welfare of every soul within its embrace. We must resist the temptation to chase our own fleeting desires, pleasures, or career ambitions. Instead, let us present all that we have to God with open hearts. We should eagerly ask Him to guide us and use us in whatever extraordinary ways He has planned!

to make known among the Gentiles

Paul’s embrace was vast and all-encompassing; he did not exclude anyone! His fervent desire was for every soul to encounter the gospel and find salvation. It did not matter whether a person was in pain or prosperity. Ill or robust, in chains or in command, Jew or Gentile, it was all the same to him. Each individual is a magnificent reflection of God’s image, holding immeasurable worth in His eyes.

we proclaim, admonishing and teaching

Here, we witness an electrifying three-fold plan of action for Paul and his teammates! Each of these words is a dynamic action verb, showcasing that the Christian life demands vigor and movement, not passivity. To leave a real mark on the lives of others, we must speak boldly. We must share the powerful message of Christ! This mission doesn’t unfold by mere chance; we must seize the initiative! “Proclaiming” encapsulates the critical duty of passionately declaring the glorious good news of the gospel. We stand as heralds, shouting this life-changing message from the bustling streets and soaring rooftops! It requires an unwavering boldness! We cannot shy away from the gaze of others, the indifference, or even the ridicule! By proclaiming the good news, we inevitably draw attention to ourselves, and we must embrace that fully! A true herald cannot slip into the shadows of anonymity.

The word “admonish” compels us to recognize the vital importance of embracing correction and rebuke with earnestness. While we fervently proclaim the good news, our mission extends far beyond that. We must urgently warn those who have turned a deaf ear. We should also lovingly correct believers who have strayed from the path, despite once accepting it. It is crucial to understand that our power to admonish does not come from ourselves. Instead, it flows from the authority of the Word of God. We must bolden our voices and admonish others grounded firmly in His Scriptures!

The word “teaching” resonates with a profound depth that surpasses the previous terms we’ve explored. There are moments that require us to passionately unveil the essence of this Word. We should illuminate its significance and show how it can inspire and transform lives.

so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 

The goal is to present each person fully alive in Christ! Paul’s vision is not limited to mere salvation; it’s an audacious dream! He isn’t satisfied with just raising hands at the end of a church service. He yearns for nothing less than a radical transformation in each soul. He longs to see true sanctification. He refuses to present the Lord with a collection of half-hearted or immature believers as the fruit of his labor. No! He desires each individual to soar to full maturity in Christ! Thus, we see that Paul passionately pursued both quantity (reaching every person) and quality (being wholeheartedly complete in Christ).

To this end I strenuously contend

Paul possessed an extraordinary vision, an inspiring goal that stirred his very soul. He understood the profound truth encapsulated in Proverbs 14:23. Mere talk leads only to poverty. Diligent work brings bountiful profit. This remarkable vision would not materialize on its own; it demanded his unwavering commitment. For decades, Paul toiled relentlessly, pouring his heart and soul into the pursuit of his dream. Yet, he did not labor in isolation or rely solely on his strength. He didn’t seek to carve his own path; instead, he earnestly sought God’s will. With eyes wide open to where God was already at work, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the divine mission. Paul recognized that apart from Christ, we can accomplish nothing (John 15:5). Now, I ask you: do you share Paul’s incredible vision? Do you even have a vision of your own? If yes, can you articulate it, or does it remain a hazy dream? Are you passionately working to bring this vision to life, putting in the effort, or standing still? Are you leaning on God’s mighty power or relying on your own strength to see it realized?

Spend a few exhilarating minutes and pour your heart out onto the page as you carve your vision in words. What divine purpose has God ignited within you for this life? Embrace the calling that stirs your spirit and makes your soul come alive!

If you have downloaded the free printable SOAP journal, there is a page at the back of the journal for you to focus your heart upon Jesus, and write out your vision.

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Cross-References

• Acts 5:41
• James 1:2-4
• Romans 5:3-5
• Hebrews 12:2
• Proverbs 14:23
• Luke 12:48

Verses on Stewardship:

• 1 Peter 4:10
• Luke 16:11
• Titus 1:7

On the Mystery:

• Ephesians 1:9
• Colossians 2:2
• Ephesians 5:32
• Romans 16:25

Discussion Questions

• How did Paul feel about his various afflictions?
• How could he feel this way?
• How do you react when you face sufferings?
• What does Paul mean that he does his “share?”
• Does every believer have a share, responsibility in the church? What is yours?
• How would you explain the phrase “filling up what is lacking Christ’s afflictions?”
• What is a minister?
• What is a steward?
• Are you either of these? Which one and why?
• What is the mystery referred to in verse 26?
• Why was it hidden?
• What goals did Paul have based on verse 28?
• How did Paul approach these goals?
• How could he hope to accomplish them?
• Do you have goals for your work for Christ?
• If so, what are they?
• Share how you are working toward these goals.

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